Office of Equity and Belonging
Mission and Theory of Change
The mission of the Office of Equity and Belonging at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â is to develop a systematic infrastructure that ensures inclusive excellence is integrated into all operations while building a community where all identities are valued, and diversity is celebrated as a source of strength. Rooted in the values of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are committed to creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and thrives — regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, or any other historically underrepresented identity.
We believe that relationships are at the heart of any sustainable institutional change and that meaningful transformation requires challenging the status quo. To build a more inclusive and equitable community, we constructively disrupt inequitable norms, policies, and power structures while fostering connections across differences and within affinity groups. We also intentionally make time to celebrate progress and remain committed to ongoing transformation. We aim to lead and influence in partnership with our campus and neighboring communities — creating lasting, purposeful change that benefits our students, faculty, staff, alums, and the wider world we share.
Practices Driving a Culture of Inclusive Excellence
To fulfill its mission, the Office of Equity and Belonging:
- Fosters Connection, Constructive Disruption and Community
Creates spaces for dialogue, constructive disruption, and celebratory events that strengthen community bonds and mutual respect. - Develops and Delivers Equity and Belonging Training
Collaborates with campus offices to provide equity, inclusion, and belonging training and supports faculty in promoting inclusive curricula, pedagogy, and a universal design environment. - Promotes a Healthy, Inclusive Campus Climate
Advocates for historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, identifies and addresses policies that hinder belongingness, and works to maintain an inclusive environment. - Advances Recruitment and Retention
Partners with departments to enhance the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff, with a focus on historically excluded populations. - Strengthens Campus-Community Partnerships
Represents ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â in local, regional, and global communities, enhancing partnerships that reflect our values and promote equity. - Evaluates and Improves Policies and Programs
Continuously examines and revises programs, strategies, and policies to ensure they align with the goal of creating an equitable and diverse university community
Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, JD, PhD
Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, JD, PhD (she/ella) serves as the inaugural senior vice president for equity and belonging. She is responsible for shaping and implementing the university's vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racism, and social justice.
Noha Elmohands
Director for the Centers for Equity and Belonging
Position Overview: The Director provides visionary leadership in developing and supervising comprehensive retention and support services programs for all students, including those from historically underrepresented identities and cultures at the university, such as students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and international students. Through strategic guidance and collaborative leadership, the Director ensures the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, the Director supervises the staff and activities in the Center for Women and the Center for Intercultural Development, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Noha: Noha Elmohands is the Director of the Centers for Equity and Belonging. This position unifies the Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women (CW) and the Center for Intercultural Development(CID) as two distinct spaces under the leadership of one team.
Before joining ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, Elmohands' professional career included establishing and serving as the Director of the multicultural center at Simmons University, a women's institution. Elmohands also served on the leadership team at Boston Collegiate Charter School as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In that role, Elmohands was responsible for leading the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan, which included aspects of system-wide DEI training for staff, students, and Board of Trustees, student and staff bias policy development and implementation, curriculum reform as it pertains to culturally relevant pedagogy, and establishing restorative justice practices. Elmohands also served on the equity team within human resources at the University of Minnesota.
Elmohands has developed and led short-term and long-term equity and intercultural development plans for teams and departments within non-profit organizations and educational institutions. With a passion and experience for intersectional perspectives and analysis, Elmohands has led workshops and summits on social identity development, equitable and inclusive leadership, anti-racism, difficult conversations, restorative justice, and diverse intersectional histories, to name a few. Elmohands is an experienced facilitator with many certifications, including being a restorative justice circle keeper and a qualified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administrator.
Elmohands earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women Studies from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Education in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University.
Riley Swope(she/her)
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview: This position is responsible for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more). Riley serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for the university, supporting international students in maintaining their status and providing guidance on personal, social, visa-related, vocational, and academic matters.
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Riley: Riley Swope's journey in higher education began at Saint Mary's College, a Catholic women's liberal arts institution, where she earned a B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology with minors in Spanish and Bilingual Education. Her professional path is marked by a dedication to fostering cross-cultural learning, which was further enriched by her Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Ecuador. There, she collaborated at two universities and volunteered within the community. This experience deepened her commitment to holistically supporting students while staying culturally connected to the communities she serves. This passion ultimately led Riley to St. Kate's, where she has the opportunity to engage with students, guiding them in building confidence, navigating their aspirations, understanding the identities they hold and don't hold, diving into international cultural landscapes, and discovering meaningful ways to use their voices.
Maisah Blanton
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview is: This position fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more).
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Maisah: St. Kate's alumna Maisah started her career as a Dean's administrative assistant and has now transitioned to the role of Equity and Belonging Coordinator. Dedicated to championing diversity and inclusivity and empowering students throughout their college experience, she is honored to join the Center for Equity and Belonging team. Outside of her work with the Office for Equity & Belonging, she enjoys exploring creative outlets for self-care.
Jae Louwagie
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview: This position is responsible for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more).
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Jae: Jae holds a B.A in Religion, as well as an M.A in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs. Jae is committed to walking alongside students, supporting their journey and assisting in the process of removing barriers for those who hold underrepresented identities, as well as contributing to campus initiatives to cultivate an environment that focuses on education, advocacy, and equity. Holistic development connected with reflection and growth is at the core of Jae’s relational approach and they look forward to implementing this approach as they evolve alongside this community. Jae joined the Centers of Equity and Belonging at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â in January of 2025, bringing professional experience in Residence Life, Career Exploration and Development, and Academic Advising. They continuously look forward to learning and growing as they develop connections on campus along the way.
Equity and Belonging Events
